News

Seattle Public Schools News

From the Summer Staircase program for elementary students struggling to keep up, to credit recovery classes and career exploration programs for high school students, we're here to help students avoid summer learning loss with academic enrichment programs.

The 8th annual Seattle Public School College Bound Scholarship Conference took place on Saturday, March 4, 2018, on the University of Washington Seattle campus. More than 600 College Bound students and parents were in attendance.

On March 14, many Seattle students honored the lives lost in the recent Parkland, Florida school shooting and demonstrated support for student safety. At Whittier Elementary, the school staff and families came together to plan a school-day observance that showed support for their school community and enabled students to add their voice to the national conversation with an age-appropriate activities.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has releasing the new Washington state and federal accountability information for every school in the state as required in the Every Students Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan. ESSA replaced No Child Left Behind in 2015.

Thanks to a program through the Pacific Northwest Ballet called Discover Dance students from Daniel Bagley Elementary, Graham Hill Elementary and Licton Springs K-8 got a glimpse into the life of a ballet dancer.

With help from the Power Up technology grant, technology funding from the district and a private family foundation, Sacajawea will be one of the first Seattle public elementary schools to provide one-to-one computing for every 3rd, 4th and 5th grade student.

Seattle Public Schools recognizes that decades of deeply embedded bias requires more than policy to undo institutionalized and structural racism. Institutionalizing racial equity in all schools requires transforming our practices and beliefs. Racial Equity Teams are one strategy that we are using to do this critical work.

In support of the courage and activism of students, we encourage citywide participation in the student-led March for Our Lives Seattle rally and walk at 10 a.m. on Sat., March 24. The School Board invites students, staff and families to join the district in showing our unified support for safe schools and the Seattle students who are organizing this non-school day march.

Seattle Public Schools is seeking parents, community members, and students to join district staff in the Student Assignment Plan Task Force to help review the the Student Assignment Plan and most recent Student Assignment Transition Plan and develop recommendations for an equity focused enrollment and student assignment process. Apply today! The application deadline is March 19, 2018.

Seattle Public Schools prioritizes student safety. It is our goal to prevent emergencies from happening, therefore all lethal or potentially lethal statements, whether verbal or written (including electronic) are to be taken seriously and investigated.

February is Career and Technical Education month, an opportunity to highlight the achievements of programs in our district and across the country that help students prepare for the college, career and life.

Between now and April 1, 2018, schools will be developing their 2018-19 school budgets. Although district funds remain tight there is new state money for more K-3 teachers. This means schools have to find additional classrooms.

Students at McGilvra Elementary have a front row view of the construction of their new lunchroom and cafeteria. Earlier this month, Integrus Architects visited with second-graders to share what goes into planning and construction of projects such as this one, funded by the Building Excellence IV (BEX IV) Capital Levy.

Part-time and full-time positions are available. School nurses enjoy a family friendly schedule with 180-day school calendar work year. Seattle school nurses serve 54,000 students representing every ethnic, racial and socioeconomic background and 120 languages.

This February, the Seattle community came together at New Holly Gathering Hall in Southeast Seattle to celebrate the launch of a very special children’s book. The colorful board book, titled “Baro Af-Soomaali,” is unique in several aspects.

The Concord classroom hums with excitement as they see their classroom guests arrive—the Chief Sealth Global Leadership students. For the next 45 minutes, the teens take the helm to conduct lessons on topics such as climate change, immigration and other contemporary global issues.

As a district, our goal is to prevent these types of emergencies whenever possible and be prepared to respond effectively if an emergency should happen. Each school, in conjunction with district and city emergency responders, develop a safety plan responsive to its layout and design.

We are currently accepting applications for the 2018-19 School Leader Pools. Applications for site-specific openings will only be accepted from current sitting SPS principals and applicants who have been notified of their acceptance into the 2018-19 Principal School Leader Pool.

Seattle Public Schools’ Athletic Department is pleased to announce its second year of the SPS Athletic Hall of Fame honoring outstanding high school student-athletes, coaches, administrators and athletic community members.

Parent and guardian Source accounts created with a username other than the email address on record at the school have been disabled. To reconnect with the Source, please contact your student's school and update your email address.

Online applications for Seattle Skills Center’s free summer courses are available. Summer Skills Center courses are open to all incoming Seattle Public Schools 9-12 graders. Apply today for a great summer of learning!

At their regular meeting on Wed., Jan. 31, the Seattle School Board approved high school boundaries for implementation in the 2019-20 school year. There are no high school boundary changes for the 2018-19 school year.

Welcoming schools and classrooms are places where students’ language, culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender and unique abilities are viewed as assets. February offers opportunities to reinforce our commitment to providing this foundation to student success including Black History Month and National African American Parent Involvement Day.

Through the event, in its third consecutive year, the district helped families register new students as well as answer questions about the registration process; school choice; option, alternative and service schools; highly capable and special education services.

How to avoid illness and help stop the spread of germs! Nationally, physicians are reporting a higher than normal number of influenza cases. What can you do to avoid illness and help stop the spread of germs?

Our EOG work is a focused effort to provide access and opportunities to our students who have historically been underserved. For the fourth consecutive year, the Seattle School Board has made this a priority and targeted specific funding to implement concrete initiatives and strategies.

Enrollment in Seattle Public Schools has grown by 8,000 students in the past 10 years, creating a need to add more classroom space and related facilities. The district uses funds from voter-approved capital levies (taxes on local homeowners) to pay for new schools and to modernize and expand existing schools. Read a progress update about several ongoing projects at Seattle Public Schools.

On Jan. 3, 2018, the Seattle School Board adopted a resolution to oppose changes to municipal code that would allow charter schools to seek departures from building development and zoning standards in the City of Seattle.

Every student in Seattle deserves to know they have a safe learning environment where they are known, valued and belong. January and February provide many opportunities to reinforce and create welcoming learning environments that support identity safety of every student.

As we embark on the superintendent search for Seattle Public Schools, the school board is seeking your input. Please add your voice by completing the superintendent search leadership qualities survey by Jan. 19.

This fall, six educators from across Seattle were recognized for excellence in teaching. The honorees are nominated by their school principal, colleagues, students or student’s families; and selected based on their extraordinary efforts inspire and engage students.

The Seattle School Board voted not to adopt the 2018-19 Student Assignment Transition Plan. Here is update about next year's student assignment plan and next steps for high school boundaries and related highly capable pathways for 2019-20.

Thank you to the many families who attended regional open house meetings to talk about the boundary change process. We are continuing to seek feedback as we make additional adjustments to the boundaries before bringing a proposal to the School Board for approval.

Seattle Public Schools has made great progress working together with our students, families, staff, and community. Here is a quick snapshot of areas where we are growing, learning, and developing stronger relationships that will ensure we provide the best educational experience for all our students.

The school district recognized outgoing School Board Directors Sue Peters and Dr. Stephan Blanford at Wednesday’s board meeting. Blandford and Peters dedicated the past four years to creating the best educational experience for students and families across Seattle.

Last month we surveyed families of students currently in grades 5-12 about improving access to Advanced Learning opportunities in high school.In response to three open-ended questions, the top 20 ideas from each school community were analyzed and grouped thematically by an outside evaluator. Read the feedback from families.

Throughout November, we celebrate American Indian Heritage Month as an opportunity to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, histories, and acknowledge the important contributions of America's first peoples.

The district held the first of five open house meetings for families, students and staff about changes to the Student Assignment Plan (SAP) and high school boundaries on Monday. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed!

Recently the English Language Learners (ELL) department introduced an upcoming policy to affirm rights to translation and interpretation. Though this action is mandated by state and federal law, our district has many supports in place, and seeks to put a policy in place to continue the great work already happening across our schools and central office.

As part of the district’s recently launched “School Lunch! Did You Know?” campaign, we are sharing an inside look into our Nutrition Services Department for the next several Mondays. The series is called School Lunch Monday stories.

As part of the district’s recently launched School Lunch! Did You Know? Campaign, for the next several Mondays we are sharing an inside look into our Nutrition Services Department. We call them School Lunch Monday and we are going to tell you about and show you things you may not have known.

The tragic mass shooting in Las Vegas on Sunday has left our nation in a state of grief and shock. We know our students are likely feeling the effects, too. We have collected resources that may be helpful as you talk with students about this event.

In support of improved partnerships and alignment on Thursday, Sept. 28, more than 80 people from a variety of community-based organizations that partner with Seattle Public Schools (SPS) came together for the Fall Partner Kick-Off at the New Holly Gathering Hall in Seattle.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month and Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is dedicated to the safety and security of all our students, including keeping them safe from harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

These bodies of work are interconnected and require community engagement. Over the course of the next couple months, district staff will be asking stakeholders for ideas, analyzing impacts and making final recommendations to the School Board.

Several times a year, we project enrollment figures for the coming school year. These figures are important because they help us anticipate state funding and allow us to plan the number of staff for each school building. This is a process all districts statewide follow each fall to match the number of teachers with the actual enrollment levels of schools.

To stabilize staffing and classrooms as soon as possible, we use the headcount from the fifth day of school as the official enrollment. This year's count was 53,259 students. Overall, we have more students at SPS this year, but fewer enrolled than we projected in June 2017. This means we are starting the year significantly under our projected enrollment.

Seattle Public Schools has partnered with King County and American Traffic Solutions to deter drivers from illegally passing buses that are loading and unloading students.

Exterior cameras have been added to 120 of the 379 First Student buses that transport our students each day. The cameras capture video of vehicles that appear to be illegally passing the bus when its stop paddle is fully extended.

If you are intending to refer your child for Advanced Learning testing, the deadline is September 22. It’s easy and can even be done on your Smart Phone's web browser. You will need a Source account. Need help? We're here!

Seattle Public Schools is committed to educating children regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, country of origin or immigration status. We will do whatever it takes to make sure every student thrives and want to reassure you, that we will do everything within our power to make sure all of our children are safe, honored and respected while in our care.

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is starting the new 2017-18 school year by opening several new and modernized buildings. Approved by Seattle voters through the Building Excellence IV (BEX IV) capital levy in 2013, the new buildings meet community needs for capacity while the unique planning, design, and architecture of each school creates positive learning space. Combined, all of these elements create the best educational experience for students.

In February 2017, Seattle Public Schools mathematics content area began the process of evaluating instructional materials for grades 6-8 math after recognizing a need for a standard curriculum across all schools that is robust and flexible enough to support and accommodate our diverse community.

The Seattle School Board recognized SPS Visual and Performing Arts Manager, Gail Sehlhorst, for being named WAEA Administrator of the year. They also voted to rename a school library for LouAnne Rundall who has volunteered every day at Highland Park Elementary for almost five decades.

How do you receive, process, put together, and deliver desks, computers and computer stands, projectors, carpeting, chalkboards, curriculum materials, and much, much more to 100 classrooms and 50 portables on time and ready for the start of school? In addition, on top of that, how do you package-up materials and supplies for hundreds of teachers and move them to their new classrooms? For one special group of Seattle Public Schools staff, the answer is easy.

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) believes attendance is one of the most powerful predictors of academic achievement and having your student in their seat, ready to learn for the entire school day will benefit them, their classmates, and the whole school community.

We are looking forward to putting our summer learning into action and collaborating with you throughout the year to ensure your child’s academic strengths and needs are known and supported. It is going to be a great year!

About 100 students from World School, a transitional learning school for immigrant and refugee children, volunteered part of their summer break to give back to a community that has given them so much. They painted a mural along a concrete wall at T.T. Minor badly marred by graffiti.

First day of school for 1st through 12th grades is Wednesday, Sept. 6. First day of school for kindergartners is Monday, Sept. 11. On this page we have pulled together many required documents and critical information to help staff, families and students prepare for the upcoming first day of school.

This past summer hundreds of Seattle Public Schools students hit the high seas of Seattle’s waterways, honed their culinary skills in the kitchens of famous chefs, collaborated with arts and media experts, and rubbed elbows with family, career, and community leaders from across the country.

The biggest problems affecting SPS will be state funding to support legally required special education services and resources to compensate employees. In addition, the Legislature’s “fix” cuts compensation for employees in the state's highest cost of living market.

This past weekend Seattle Public Schools (SPS) teamed-up with Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission and more than a dozen local churches to spruce-up the insides and outsides of several schools across the district.

Five new school buildings will open their doors to students on Wed., Sept. 6.Community celebrations will be held to commemorate the opening of Olympic Hills, Cascadia, Licton Springs, Eagle Staff, and Meany schools.

Recently, more than a dozen students from Wing Luke Elementary, Mercer Middle and Cleveland High schools, a handful of their parents, and staff from several local organizations sat together at tables inside a Seattle Housing Authority community center to tackle serious questions about culture and identity.

This summer, Seattle Public Schools’ Early Learning Department is again partnering with Southeast Seattle Education Coalition (SESEC), Seattle Public Library, Moms Rising, and other community groups, like the Rainier Beach Action Coalition, to promote awareness of formal and informal learning opportunities for families with young children through our third annual Kindergarten Kickoff.

Last year was challenging because of our budget deficit, but together we demonstrated what can happen when we work together on behalf of all students and our larger community. This letter is to update you on our finalized 2017-18 budget, the Legislature’s two-year budget passed in June, legislative policy changes and anticipated effects on Seattle.

The Seattle Public Schools Admissions Center is excited to announce our new online enrollment registration system for new students, resulting in reduced waiting time and paperwork for our families! The online registration is now available.

This summer our district and school websites are receiving a major facelift. Our first priority for the website redesign project is to ensure families, students, staff, and community can easily find critical district and school resources.

School Choice Waitlist Update: District staff have been moving waitlists since April, and the School Board voted July 5 to expand the number of waitlists moves for this coming school year. Families affected by the newly approved moves will be contacted by Admissions staff this summer as choice seats are available.

You may have seen recent news stories raising questions about Seattle schools using homeless designations to improve student athletic eligibility. While confidentiality laws prohibit us from sharing how the students who raised the allegations are being cared for today, we can speak about the systems we are responsible for managing (e.g. academic, athletic and support systems), and what we have been doing since these concerns were raised in March.

There will be a special School Board work session on June 28 to discuss the budget, waitlist process and a path forward. The work session will take place at the beginning of the regularly scheduled School Board meeting.

All students, staff, families, and friends are invited to join Seattle Public Schools in the Seattle Pride Parade on Sunday, June 25 at 11 a.m. You can ride on the yellow school bus float or march alongside. We will provide snacks and fun items you can hand out to the crowd.

Congratulations to the reading teams of Loyal Heights, Graham Hill and Leschi elementary schools who took home the 2017 Global Reading Challenge. The Seattle Public Library reading competition for fourth and fifth graders helps cultivate the joy of reading as the students delve into the annual book selection.

With commencement season and end of the 2016-17 school year upon us, our school halls are filled with excitement. From the first days of kindergarten to graduation day, Seattle Public Schools has a deep commitment to every student’s educational journey.

As Seattle Public Schools seniors complete their last exams and try on their graduation regalia, many experience excitement and joy alongside the uncertainty that often accompanies major life transitions. District partnerships, such as The 13th Year program, take aim to ease this type anxiety and prepare every student for life after high school.

The district received and processed nearly 6,000 choice enrollment applications for next school year. More than 3,200 students received a requested choice assignment, and more than 2,800 students received their first choice.

Although more than 50 percent of the students who participated in the choice process received a placement, many students are still on school waitlists. Typically, staff do not move waitlists that positively or negatively affect staffing at attendance area schools. Due to the $50 million budget shortfall for 2017-18, the district is conducting additional analysis around waitlist moves.

As a result of this additional analysis, waitlists at attendance area schools will not move until district staff review updated spring staffing allocations in mid-June. Waitlist moves at option schools will continue through August 31 based on current school staffing and available seats in classrooms.

They walked slowly up the stairs, around a dark corner and down the hall toward Tom Douglas’ Hot Stove Society kitchen just off 4th Avenue in downtown Seattle. Inside, greeting them was the sharp clanging of pots and pans on the teaching kitchen’s hot gas stove, the giant vent above spreading the aroma of poached king salmon, grilled asparagus, and freshly chopped ramps and the voice of their culinary teachers for the afternoon who warmly greeted them in unison, “Hello and welcome!”

The news came as a welcome surprise to elementary school teacher Jessica Staire. A letter, from Towson University in Maryland, informed her she was accepted into a Fulbright-Hays Grant Program that will pay her way to Peru this summer where, for six weeks, she will study language and culture, and develop a curriculum to share with students in her classrooms and teachers across Seattle Public Schools.

Ballard High School's robotics team recently laid claim to a first-place win in the Robotics World Championship in Houston, TX. To win, 27 Viking Robotics Club teammates, including freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors faced nearly 400 teams from more than two dozen countries.

District staff are working to build a 2017-18 school year schedule that best serves the 54,000 students enrolled with Seattle Public Schools. Although we have published several key school year dates, such as 2017-18 first and last day of school, the final calendar will be introduced to the School Board on May 17 and voted on at the June 7 School Board Meeting. The final calendar will reflect the new weekly, early release day for students as well as holidays, and snow make-up days etc.

Advanced Learning referrals for the 2018-19 school year of students currently in kindergarten through 7 grade will be accepted online beginning Monday, May 15. Applications for students in grades 9 through 12 will be available in January 2018.

A recent partnership between two John Muir educators, Seattle chefs, and a local nonprofit is just one of the many inspiring examples of how our teachers are changing the lives of their students.

The Changing the Narrative cooking class developed out of a larger project at the school to help work with educators, students, families, and community partners to collaboratively change perceptions and dispel negative stereotypes about black men. Now these boys are working to give back to their school community so a group of next year’s fifth graders can have the same opportunity.

Seattle Skills Center is teaming up with the Seattle Maritime Academy to help train tomorrow's mariners. Every day, Seattle Public Schools is working with our community partners to help students thrive and eliminate opportunity gaps.

Reflecting a long history of partnership between the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) and Seattle Public Schools (SPS), both institutions recently joined to facilitate a significant donation of books to the district, plus the opportunity for students to hear from a civil rights icon, U.S. Congressman John Lewis.

Magnolia Elementary School will open in Fall 2018. If Magnolia is opened as an attendance area school, new boundaries will have to be established to assign students to the school. As part of the ongoing work to explore potential boundaries, a community meeting is scheduled for May 1, 2017.

Restoration of the $24 million still left a shortfall of $50 million. We prioritized classrooms, restoring all but about 50 positions, which is a 1.5 percent reduction. Central administration was reduced by the greatest percentage amount at 4.7 percent.

The Friday before spring break, central office departments were informed of the specific reductions. These cuts required a combination of closing vacant positions and reducing positions. We have now addressed the $74 million shortfall.

Congratulations to the many schools in our district who have received the 2016 Washington Achievement Awards from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Of the 280 winners, 23 were from Seattle, and a number of our schools are repeat winners.

Please help the Superintendent and School Board in congratulating our schools for their incredible work and support of students.

During my frequent school visits, I witness how our schools demonstrate what a district can accomplish when it is committed to providing opportunity that helps every student thrive. I am grateful for our talented, passionate educators, school leaders, central office staff, community partners, and families who collaborate to ensure every student has an excellent and equitable education.

Within the classroom and beyond school grounds, from math instruction to music education, our educators and staff are innovating and collaborating to help ignite a lifelong-passion for learning in Seattle students.

On Monday, April 3, the Levy Cliff budget restoration recommendations were presented to the School Board. Eighty eight percent of the restored $24 million budget will go back directly to classrooms and academic supports, including over 200 positions. In addition to schools’ baseline staffing, restoration funding will support academic needs including: retention of mentors for first year teachers, funding designated for an elementary English language arts curricula adoption, and our commitment to eliminating opportunity gaps.

Prioritizing classrooms means central office, as appropriate, took the most significant cuts. Schools will take less than a 1.5 percent reduction and central office reductions will equal 4.7 percent.

Fifth graders took the spotlight on March 4 in the All City Honors Elementary Orchestra and Band Concert. The concert brought together more than 150 students from across the district who are invited by their music teachers to participate in the event.

The Seattle Public Schools music and arts department is committed to improving arts-based education across all schools in our district. From critical thinking and communication skills to collaboration and cross-cultural skills, arts education has a critical role to play in developing vital skills needed to succeed in life.

Apply by April 25 to maximize your chances of enrolling your child. Applications received after that date will be considered in the second round of application review. See how to apply and other information on our preschool page.

World-renowned chef, Alice Waters, and members of her Edible Schoolyard Program visited Seattle Public Schools to promote an "edible education" and as a means to improve school climates and eliminate opportunity gaps.

At the board work session on Wed., March 22, the School Board reached consensus on restoring schools’ baseline funding, also known as the Weighted Staffing Standard (WSS). Restoring WSS returns approximately 175 positions to schools.

At this point, that means that less than 2 percent of all school staff will be reduced. Central administration is still scheduled for a 5 percent reduction. Thank you to the School Board for responding to our family, staff, and partners’ priorities and moving to restore school supports so quickly. We hope to have new school staffing allocations communicated by April 7.

The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and Seattle Public Schools (SPS), in partnership with the city of Seattle, will open up new career and college pathways for city youth to graduate from high school “Seattle Ready,” by establishing new media arts courses in the Seattle Public Schools Skills Center. Skills Center courses, taught by industry professionals, will enable students to be competitive in the local workforce and provide the opportunity to live and work in Seattle.

Seattle Public Schools faced a $74 million budget shortfall for next school year. Recent bipartisan action in the Legislature reduced that shortfall by $24 million.

Delay of the Levy Cliff resolves one-third of the budget shortfall we are facing next year. We can now prepare, with greater certainty, school and central budgets for the 2017-18 school year. It also allows us to reduce far fewer staff and provide our students and families some stability in the short term as the Legislature continues to work on long-term budget solutions.

We find ourselves in a unique position, of being extremely thankful and relieved, but still facing a $50M budget shortfall. Without full funding from the state, the district will still need to make painful cuts. We are working with our partners to identify restoration priorities.

Seattle Public Schools serves a rich and diverse community and we are dedicated to providing safe, welcoming, and inclusive schools for all students regardless of their religion, race, ethnicity, country of origin, immigration status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Prior to the federal guidance concerning transgender students provided in May 2016, our district established the Superintendent Procedure Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action: Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students procedure, which defines the rights that all transgender and gender nonconforming students attending Seattle Public Schools possess. It is a procedure that is here to stay.

Seattle Public Schools faces a $74 million budget shortfall for 2017-18 due to the state's delay in fully funding education.

As a district, we must advocate for both short and long term funding solutions. It is important the Legislature’s proposed solutions address our 2017-18 deficit as well as ensure we can offer our students a 21st century education for years to come.

As Black History Month comes to a close, Seattle Public Schools continues our commitment to improving academic outcomes for all Seattle students, especially those who have been historically underserved.

Our paramount work is to ensure every student has equitable access to a high-quality education. Narrowing opportunity gaps by addressing the whole child, academics, and social and emotional well-being, will make success for all a reality.

Seattle Public Schools is in the process of changing the way we track vaccination records and will begin using an online immunization system called School Module.

This system, created by the Washington State Department of Health allows us to view your child’s immunization record quickly and determine if your child has all the required vaccines needed for school.

Magnolia Elementary School is scheduled to open as an attendance area elementary school in Fall 2018 to help relieve capacity challenges and accommodate future growth in Queen Anne and Magnolia. Please join SPS Enrollment Planning and the principals of Catherine Blaine, Coe, and Lawton at the upcoming community meeting to learn more about boundary changes and share feedback with district staff.

Seattle Public Schools values our students, our staff, and our families. We are committed to educational excellence for every student. We will work thoughtfully, diligently, and transparently to achieve the best outcomes possible for SPS students, while acknowledging that any budget cuts are not in the best interest of our students while facing unprecedented budget challenges.

Eliminating opportunity gaps is the issue of our time. Under the leadership of Superintendent Nyland, the entire school district is focused on developing strategies to ensure each student is known, challenged, and supported. Substitute teachers are taking up this challenge with culturally responsive teaching.

Every student. Every classroom. Every day. These are the words you’ll find on the cover of the strategic plan for Seattle Public Schools and throughout the district on countless posters. These are not empty words; they are an inspiration for staff and teachers alike as the district strives to eliminate opportunity gaps and provide high-quality instruction.

The Daily Journal of Commerce newspaper annually honors a regional, newly constructed building: the Hazel Wolf K-8 at Pinehurst School building is a finalist for this year’s award. Voting is open at djc.com until Feb. 28.

In a 7-0 vote, The Seattle School Board unanimously passed a resolution affirming their commitment to providing safe, welcoming, and inclusive schools for all students without regard to race, religion, national origin, or immigration status, Wednesday.

Books are a powerful thing. Sometimes their words sweep us away to magical, far-away places while other times they scare us and leave us shivering with every turn of the page. Books also bring us together by helping to build intentional partnerships between teachers, students, and communities.

Use our Assignment Lookup Tool to check your student’s school assignment for next year.

Your student’s school assignment may have changed due to new schools opening in Fall 2017 and new school boundaries approved by the School Board. In addition, some program locations have changed through updates to the Student Assignment Plan. Information on the school boundary changes is available on the Growth Boundaries webpage.

Through positive, intentional partnerships with educators, community organizations, and families, we can support the unique strengths and needs of every child in our care. Every day our educators, staff, and community partners extend themselves just a little further to meet the needs of our students.

Seattle Public Schools is committed to educating children regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, country of origin, or a student’s immigration status. We will do whatever it takes to make sure every student thrives and I want to reassure you, we will do everything within our power to make sure that all of our children are safe, honored, and respected while in our care.

Alan Sugiyama passed away on January 2, 2017. Our deepest condolences go to Al Sugiyama's family and friends. Sugiyama, a champion of public education and a great friend to the Seattle community, was elected to the School Board in 1989 and served two full terms.

The Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors and Superintendent Larry Nyland presented the District’s Citizen Service Award to Kenny Alhadeff for his decades of service in support of district needs and initiatives.

Superintendent Nyland shares 2017-18 budget updates and highlights activities that have taken place that align with the district’s legislative agenda and help raise the visibility of the budget issues with our community and state representatives.

Over the past few months, staff and the School Board have been working to address the projected budget shortfall and unless the state takes action by February 28, the district will need to move forward with the budget reduction plan.

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) and Superintendent Larry Nyland, joined the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Kellogg Fellows Leadership Alliance, and 130 other organizations across the country to support the National Day of Racial Healing held last Tuesday.

On Monday, January 16, many of us honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by participating in marches, service days at schools, and advocacy in Olympia for the full funding of education. In his message to families and community, Superintendent Nyland reaffirms the district's commitment to realizing the dream of Dr. King.

An open letter to the Washington State Legislature from Members of the Seattle Public Schools African-American Male Advisory Committee

We call on the Washington State Legislature to fulfill the citizens’ responsibility to the children of our state by performing its paramount, court-ordered duty of amply funding public education in Washington state.

From studying in the classroom to marching in the streets of Seattle, thousands of Seattle Public Schools (SPS) staff, students, and families celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend.

In his January 12, letter to families, Superintendent Nyland shares an update about the School Board's consensus of how to address $63.1 million of the district’s budget deficit. Initial reductions brought the $74.2 million dollar shortfall down to $44 million and included use of our reserve fund and other non-staff related reductions. The Board has approved a $4 million dollar reduction of central office. This is 5.3 percent of the central budget, larger than the school based reductions. These cuts will be determined in consultation with the School Board. Over the next few weeks, we will address the remaining $11.1 million dollar gap in order to start next school year with a balanced budget, which is required by state law.

Special Meeting of the Board on Jan. 11, was recorded. On January 4, at the regular Board meeting, the Seattle School Board delayed the Student Assignment Transition Plan vote in order to analyze the budget implications and gather additional data and feedback from SPS staff and the community. Because the original SAP vote would have been televised, Seattle Public Schools will broadcast the January 11 meeting.

Join us at West Seattle High School for an evening of exploration and inquiry into innovative schools for the 21st Century. We will be hosting a screening of the film Most Likely to Succeed, followed by a panel of local and state education innovators. The film explores the idea of how schools in the 21st Century should prepare students for the challenges of our world and foster curiosity, creativity, criticism, communication, collaboration, compassion and citizenship.

School Board will vote on the 2017-18 SAP on January 11 The Seattle School Board will discuss and take action on the 2017-18 Student Assignment Plan (SAP) on January 11, 2017 at a special meeting of the board. The meeting is public and the community is invited to attend.

For decades, our state’s support of public education has depended more and more on the use of local levy resources to backfill against underfunded state responsibilities. And when the state does provide funding, in nearly all cases, it underfunds the true cost of the work. Local levy revenues must make up the difference. Currently, the state pays 70 cents for every dollar it takes to fund critical education supports—including teacher compensation.

You are invited to attend a community meeting focused on next year’s projected budget gap. The district’s budget office will be presenting the current budget challenges and soliciting feedback. Seattle Council PTSA leadership will be sharing information on how to get involved.

Next meeting will be Tues., Jan. 3, 6:30 until 8 p.m., at Franklin High School. Interpretation in Chinese, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese will be available.

Many celebrate the new year with revelry and festive parties. Our return to school on January 3 may not have as much celebration, but it does begin with opportunity and hope. As we enter this season of hope and opportunity, as well as challenge, our focus remains on unconditionally believing in our children and the importance of instilling positive beliefs, resilience, and hope.

On December 15 a community meeting about the future of Cedar Park Elementary School was hosted by Seattle Public Schools staff. Cedar Park will open as a new option school for the Northeast region of Seattle. This represents an exciting opportunity to design a school that meets the unique needs and values of the community.

In the next few weeks Roxhill Elementary School teacher Mike Popelka will pack up and move his family a continent and an ocean away to The Netherlands. His journey is part lifelong dream to live overseas and part lifelong dedication to teaching. The next year will catapult that dedication to his craft and profession to a level many only dream about.

On December 7, the Seattle School Board elected new officers for the 2017 calendar year.Board member Sue Peters was elected president, Leslie Harris was elected vice-president, and Scott Pinkham was elected member-at-large.

The new board officers assume duties immediately and serve in their roles through the 2017 calendar year. They bring a wealth of experience to the executive committee as well as a commitment to authentically engaging our families, community, and staff.

Health Warning: Mumps There are 11 confirmed mumps cases in King County. If a case of mumps occurs at a school, students who are not up to date with the MMR vaccine may be asked to stay home from school.

It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of mumps and what you can do to protect your child and others from getting mumps. Mumps is a disease caused by a virus and typically starts with a few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and a loss of appetite; the person may also be develop swollen cheeks or jaw.

This is the largest budget deficit we have faced since the late 1970s and has the potential to erode many of the programs, supports and services students are currently receiving. Closing the $74 million gap will be the most difficult challenge we’ve faced in decades. Right now there are many unknowns. These unknowns will cause challenges and disruptions to the good work that our schools, educators and central office staff are doing.

The Washington State Legislature’s failure to adequately address public education funding may result in a significant budget shortfall next school year. In 2017-18, the district’s ability to serve students in the way they deserve will be challenged. Unless the Legislature takes appropriate action to address school funding, the district has a projected deficit of approximately $74 million for the 2017-18 school year. This is the largest budget deficit we have faced since the late 1970s and has the potential to erode many of the programs, supports, and services students are currently receiving.

The Washington State Legislature’s failure to adequately address public education funding may result in a significant budget shortfall next school year. In 2017-18, the district’s ability to serve students in the way they deserve will be challenged. Unless the Legislature takes appropriate action to address school funding, the district has a projected deficit of approximately $74 million for the 2017-18 school year. This is the largest budget deficit we have faced since the late 1970s and has the potential to erode many of the programs, supports, and services students are currently receiving.

I know that the district’s vision of every student prepared for college, career, and life is possible, but it is only possible through relationship and partnership. It is only possible when we are united in our commitment to each and every student’s success. So, I want to take this opportunity to thank you. Thank you for your commitment to Seattle Public Schools and to our students. Thank you for believing in public education

To improve K-12 students’ academic access and achievement, the Seattle Education Association (SEA) and Seattle Public Schools (SPS) agreed to add 20 minutes of core instructional time to the school day starting in the 2017-18 school year. This action also brings our instructional hours into alignment with other districts in the region.

In addition, SEA and SPS agreed to add teacher collaboration time into the work day to support common planning time and improved student outcomes.

Thank you to the 11,000 plus family members, teachers, principals and community partners who responded to last month’s survey on how to add 20 minutes to the instructional day and provided guidance on when to implement the one hour of teacher collaboration time per week.

The 2016 State of the District drew hundreds of attendees on November 7, 2016. Moving at a lively pace, the event alternated between updates on progress, examples of success and challenges, and student performance.

The emcee, Zachary Stowell, Assistant Principal of Catherine Blaine K-8 explained that the State of the District event was “about telling the story of Seattle Public Schools, students and the community; a story of hope, social justice and a commitment to ensure that every single student in our thriving city is successful.”

On Nov. 16, 2016, the Seattle School Board approved changes to the 2013 Growth Boundaries plan for implementation in the 2017-18 school year.

Many schools will retain their current boundaries. Overall, as a result of the board vote, there are only two changes to elementary school boundaries, and the new Meany and Eagle Staff middle schools will open with minor adjustments to their previously approved boundaries.

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) Superintendent Dr. Larry Nyland and School Board President Betty Patu joined Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, Thursday, to present a set of recommendations aimed at ensuring all Seattle students are set up for academic success and post-secondary education and careers, with an emphasis on improving outcomes for African Americans/Black students.

Presentation by Tom Ahearne to School Board, lead counsel, Network for Excellence in Washington Schools, at the November 16, 2016 School Board meeting. In his presentation he explains the state’s failure to fully fund education and the impact on school districts.

We are committed to preparing students for success in the twenty-first century. However, decades-long achievement gaps show that we are not providing equity of opportunity for each and every student. In Seattle Public Schools, we have made a commitment to dismantling the institutionalized racism that creates the gaps in opportunities and success for our students of color.

Seattle Public Schools is proud to release its "Speak English AND Your Home Language" video honoring the multilingualism of SPS students. The video, available with subtitles in eight languages plus English, was made in collaboration with Highline Public Schools, the Kent School District and OneAmerica.

Seattle Public Schools continues to remain dedicated to maintaining positive school climates that promote student learning and development.

We are committed to building school communities where all students, families, and staff are safe, respected, and engaged. We expect all students to be treated positively and with respect without fear of bullying or intimidation. Our commitment to the well-being of each and every student is stronger than ever.

Beginning November 7th, The Seattle Public Library is partnering with Seattle Public Schools to run a pilot program called Library Link. This program will automatically provide a library account to students at three middle schools.

In a district of over 50,000 students spanning 140 native languages how can you work toward delivering classroom instruction that is tailored to the needs of each and every student? One way is the Formative Practices Institute (FPI) for district teachers.

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) and Seattle Education Association (SEA) are united in our commitment to the success of every student in every classroom, every day.

An unwavering commitment to ensuring racial equity in education anchors our work. This commitment was demonstrated last week with the launch of the #CloseTheGaps campaign and highlighted on Wednesday, October 19 as educators across the district led conversations and lessons with their students focused on racial equity and social justice.

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is announcing a renewed partnership with King County Public Health, the City of Seattle, Group Health, HealthPoint, International Community Health Services, NeighborCare Health, Swedish Medical Center, and the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic who, combined, provide and fund School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) at 29 Seattle schools and help eliminate opportunity gaps.

The Seattle Seahawks, NFL Play 60, and United Way of King County visited Dearborn Park International Elementary School to encourage students to stay healthy by eating right and getting plenty of exercise every day, and to strive to improve attendance.

Schools across the district celebrated Indigenous People's Day, today. Celebrations included instruction in the classroom, arts and crafts, and Native American assemblies like the following at Green Lake Elementary School.

Eliminating opportunity gaps and ensuring educational excellence for each and every student is the issue of our time.

As a result, we are announcing a new campaign that demonstrates our collective commitment to eliminating opportunity gaps and accelerating learning for all students—specifically for our black students and other students of color. The campaign is called #CloseTheGaps. We are kicking it off the week of October 16-22, 2016, and we are asking you to join us.

Seattle Public Schools, along with the Puget Sound Educational Service District and neighboring districts, have committed to addressing chronic absenteeism.

Attendance has been proven to be one of the most powerful predictors of academic achievement and can have a dramatic impact on key milestones, including third grade reading, 9th grade achievement, high school graduation, and life success.

On Friday, September 16, 2016, a small but mighty group of educators and a committed group of African American men demonstrated to anyone lucky enough to be John Muir Elementary School, that in our community we have enough love, enough resolve, and enough commitment to ensure that every child in Seattle thrives.

Join us at one of five community meetings this fall to learn more about the upcoming school boundary changes for the 2017-18 school year. Interpretation services will be available; see the schedule below for languages.